‘We’re Still Trying to Win This Year’ — Miami Dolphins Don’t Care About Your Draft Grades

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins‘ draft class is as follows:

Two pass rushers. Two wide receivers. A tackle. A running back. A safety.

And countless doubters.

Their response? Bring them all on.

Miami Dolphins NFL Draft Reaction

Chris Grier hadn’t even put a bow on his 25th draft as part of the Dolphins organization when he was already shooting down narratives:

The Dolphins’ picks this weekend were for tomorrow, yes. But they were also for today — no matter what you’ve read elsewhere (including on this very website).

“We don’t really worry about what other scouts and other people say,” Grier said before the Dolphins’ final pick of the draft. “It’s about dealing for the Miami Dolphins and how we feel where the player is at this stage and what he needs to do to develop as a player and what he can contribute and do.

“We’re always talking about how we think the player fits in and what he can contribute — this year possibly. There’s no guarantees or absolutes, but we feel strongly in the players and believe in them. We’re still trying to win this year. This is not about worrying about two, three years down the line. We’re all about having the best team possible this season.”

So yes, while EDGE Chop Robinson (pick 21) and left tackle Patrick Paul (pick 55) are far from complete players, the Dolphins also think they’re good enough to help if needed in 2024.

And all that talk about chasing Odell Beckham Jr. to help a top-heavy receiver room? Maybe they’ll be a little quieter after the Dolphins added two YAC kings in Virginia’s Malik Washington (pick 184) and Tahj Washington (pick 241).

“You think we’re too reliant on speed on offense?” the Dolphins may have asked themselves. We’ll show you by adding the fastest running back in the draft — Jaylen Wright (pick 120) — and trade a 2025 asset to get him.

Think our interior offensive line is a mess? We won’t take a single one all three days.

“It just hit me,” McDaniel said, before Grier could answer a question about the team potentially filling needs with veterans like Beckham, Dalton Risner, and Tyler Boyd. “It’s like, ‘Check my track record.'”

Grier’s track record in the draft has been above average, but he definitely needs some hits after a two-year stretch that produced De’Von Achane and really not much else.

And for the Dolphins to close the gap with the Chiefs, Bills, and Ravens, he needs to continue to add through free agency and get production out of this draft class.

KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Draft Complete Results, Recap, Order, and All 257 Picks

The Dolphins think they will — no matter what the critics say.

“Nobody is given anything here,” Grier said. “We have some good players on the roster here and these guys are going to have to work to beat them out and earn spots; but yes, we selected them because we feel they have a chance to contribute. But again, they have to earn it. Nothing is given. I think Mike and his staff have shown that over their two years here that you earn your playing time here.”

Looking for everything you need surrounding the 2024 NFL Draft? Make sure to check out the latest draft results, overall team grades, and updated best remaining players available at every position!